Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter Twenty-Six

It was less than a five minute drive to Edward's apartment. Although, I assumed that was the case for most places in this town.

I parked, grabbed the purse I hardly ever used, and held my breath as I walked towards his door. He opened before I had a chance to knock.

"So, I'm not sure what the law is against tenants visiting their landlord's apartment. Shall I give you twenty-four hours notice? Or..."

Edward grinned before reining it in. "Hm. I'm not exactly sure. Why don't we just pretend to be Edward and Bella right now. Then we won't have to worry about all of that mess."

I sighed. Of course. How easily I gave in.

"I suppose that could work."

Edward opened the door wider and I walked into his tiny apartment.

"Took you long enough," he muttered as I walked past him.

Glancing at my nonexistent watch, I laughed. "It's barely past eight."

"Did you eat?"

"No."

"Would you like a drink?" He asked. Such a gracious host. "I think I might have wine. Or...tequila?" He winked and yeah. I swooned.

"Wine works," I said with a tiny nod. "Oh! Before I forget. Here." I opened my wallet and handed him a check.

"Um..."

"No. Don't 'um' me. Take it. Please."

Edward hesitantly grabbed the check and folded it into his back pocket. "Are you feeling better? You look better."

I grabbed the glass of wine he poured for me and I nodded. "Yeah. I think I just needed to sleep."

"Yeah. You looked exhausted..." he trailed off, watching my lips as I sipped the wine.

Blush covered my cheeks. "How was work?"

Edward cleared his throat. "It was fine. I was late because I dozed off with you."

"Oh..." I laughed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"Okay." I swallowed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Why didn't you just move into your aunt's house? This place is obviously smaller..."

Edward chuckled, opening his bottle of Blue Moon. "I don't know. It seemed like a hassle to move."

"Oh," I murmured, watching him take a swig of his beer.

"And..." He sighed. "I don't need a big place. I don't need many things. This works for me."

"I see."

He stared into his bottle of beer. "Hey Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"I just wanted to ask...are you okay?" Edward's tone was serious and his stare was one of concern.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

He knew I was lying, and his expression conveyed just that.

And I hated myself.

"I should probably go after this..." I admitted.

Edward was silent for a beat too long. "Would it be weird if I asked you to stay? I have a spare bedroom."

I sighed. Of course. How easily I gave in.

A/N: Kitty Vuitton & KitKat Cullen are very persuasive. Thanks for reading!